Elizabeth Rodriguez and Tina Guerrero, both students at Christopher High and sparring partners, flew out today and face two days of registration and processing before hitting the ring Monday.

"When we spar, we help each other out a lot with our movement, our hands and punching," Guerrero said.

Rodriguez heads into the competition as the defending National PAL champion in the 101-pound weight class and said she is eager to defend her title.

"One more wouldn't hurt," the sophomore wrote via e-mail.

Guerrero, 14, has been training for a year and a half and has just three fights to her credit. Despite the lack of fight experience, she is carrying a confident attitude - one with years of experience usually demonstrates - headed into the tournament.

"I love to fight. I love throwing punches. I just love the sport," Guerrero said. "I'm pretty confident I will win. I'm sure I will."

Guerrero said she thinks her work ethic and training regimen will go a long way next week in Texas. She will fight in the 112-pound division.

"You have to treat everything like an actual fight," Guerrero said. "You may know the person outside of the ring, but once you get in the ring, you don't know them anymore."

Both girls said they are very grateful for all the support they have received from family, friends and sponsors as they prepared for the trip.